New ‘Battletoads’ Teased By Microsoft

Starting as a beloved game from Rare, Battletoads has since become somewhat of a meme across the Internet. Fans have been asking for a new installment in the franchise for years, but higher-ups have yet to publicly green-light a sequel. Following the unveiling of Windows 10, however, gamers were ecstatic to see that Microsoft head Phil Spencer was wearing a shirt based on the cult-classic property – spawning hope for an inevitable followup in the long dormant series.

While Microsoft has yet to come out and officially confirm that a new Battletoads game is in development, the company announced during GDC that the title’s characters will be making an appearance in the Xbox One version of Shovel Knight. Included as a surprise in the dying seconds of the video featured above, the likes of Rash, Zitz and Pimple will all be making a cameo appearance in the forthcoming Xbox One debut of Yacht Club Games’ hit indie title.

What role these characters will have in the final game remains to be seen, but it may not be outrageous to suggest that they will be made playable. Of course, this is just speculation, but more concrete insight into the Battletoad appearance should be made apparent in the near future. It would be odd to have the characters show up briefly in a cutscene though, so expect a more flushed out role for the combat-ready protagonists – similarly to what Kratos’ inclusion likely means for the PlayStation iteration.

Not content with just leaving fans with an imminent appearance from the amphibious trio, the head of [email protected], Chris Carla, then made a tease pertaining to where the Battletoads could end up next. Given the increasing presence the loveable toads have had in recent Microsoft-hosted events, it’s looking more and more likely that the series could be making a return in the near future.

There’s no question that this is one of the most unexpected crossovers in recent memory, but it’s also a great way to get longtime gamers excited about lesser known titles arriving on the Xbox One. Giving proven indie developers (such as Yacht Club Games) access to iconic mascots like Rash, Zitz and Pimple can only lead to good things – especially since it keeps some much needed attention on the property. Hopefully gamers are given a glimpse of what awaits them with the Battletoad series in the near future – provided Microsoft does indeed have something up its sleeve – but only time will tell.

Shovel Knight is currently available on PC, Wii U and 3DS, but is without a release date on Xbox One